Oxford wedding punting
Weddings · The Cherwell Boathouse · Oxford

Rosie & James' Cherwell Boathouse Wedding

If you are looking for a riverside wedding venue, it’s hard to get closer to the water than Cherwell Boathouse. I photographed Rosie and James’ intimate outdoor wedding reception here, and the setting is truly magical, from the riverside views to the relaxed, personal atmosphere.

Cherwell Boathouse Wedding Day

Wedding table laid with dahlias and sweet peas in an amber vase, cut glasses and gold-rimmed plates by the river

Cherwell Boathouse Weddings

Rosie and James began their day with a ceremony at the iconic Bodleian Library, followed by a punt down the river to Cherwell Boathouse, where they were greeted by their guests and showered in confetti.

Punting up to Cherwell Boathouse on your wedding day

Guests throwing confetti from the jetty as the bride and groom sit in a flower-filled punt at Cherwell Boathouse

Oxford wedding punting

Punting at Cherwell Boathouse

The team at Cherwell Boathouse can arrange for you and your guests to take punts out before sitting down for dinner. This is such a wonderful Oxford experience and a unique activity to include in your wedding day.

Guest pouring Champagne into a glass for friends sitting in a punt

Wedding guests drinking fizz in punts on the River Cherwell, with punters standing at the back

Bride, groom and friends laughing together in a punt on the river, covered in confetti

Cherwell Boathouse Wedding

Cherwell Boathouse Wedding Options

Rosie and James had an intimate wedding, which meant they were able to dine outside right on the river. For larger weddings, or as an option in case of rain, the boathouse offers a marquee overlooking the river. It’s open all year round and can accommodate up to 120 guests.

Bride and groom walking hand in hand along the riverside past seated guests at Cherwell Boathouse

Best man giving a speech with a microphone under fairy lights at Cherwell Boathouse

Guests laughing at a long table during the speeches, with punts on the river behind at Cherwell Boathouse

Wedding guests dining on the terrace at Cherwell Boathouse, with a row of punts moored in front

Final thoughts

I would highly recommend Cherwell Boathouse for a wedding. Punting with champagne is fun, memorable and wonderfully Oxford.

One thing to bear in mind – if you’re inviting young children, there are no safety rails or barriers along the river so extra supervision is needed.

Married at Cherwell Boathouse

Further Reading

For other riverside wedding venues in Oxford please check out: The Perch Inn Weddings